A person may be entitled to HECS - HELP assistance for a unit of study for which the person is a Commonwealth supported student if, among other things, the unit is covered by the person's Student Learning Entitlement.

Broadly speaking, a person will start with an SLE amount that is equivalent to 7 years of full - time study. However, the person's SLE amount may be added to for the purposes of certain courses of study or in certain circumstances.

A person's SLE amount is reduced as the person undertakes units of study as a Commonwealth supported student. A unit of study undertaken as part of an enabling course does not reduce the person's SLE amount. The person's SLE amount may also be re - credited in certain circumstances.